Crepe myrtle

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of the Lagerstroemia indica characterized as to novelty by a dwarfness in size, lack of continual vertical growth after maturity and a weeping growth habit at full maturity.

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety orornamental shrub of the species Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known ascrepe myrtle, characterized as to novelty by its height of 24 inches orless at full maturity with substantially no vertical growth thereafteras described in the following paragraphs and illustrated in theaccompanying color photograph. The new variety has been developed by meduring the past five years by crossing unnumbered or unnamed seedlingsto produce a new ornamental plant which will grow to a height of no morethan 24 inches at maturity.

Compact crepe myrtles have been asexually reproduced by others but suchplants have been characterized by a continual annual growth aftermaturity of from 6-8 inches. See U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,551. Thus, eventhough these plants are described as dwarf or compact, after severalyears growth, they will have attained a height far in excess ofapplicant's plant. The present plant reaches its mature height of 24inches or less and does not continue to grow vertically as the plants ofthe prior art.

The plant has been asexually reproduced at Baton Rouge, La., by means ofhardwood and softwood cuttings. All descendants have shown the samecharacteristics as the original plant, indicating that the new varietyis thereby well established. The plant does not produce true from seed.

The plant of the new variety is resistant to freezing and hasdemonstrated good winter hardiness. The plant has survived temperaturesas low as 10° F.

The new variety does not resemble in size or growth habit the originalparent plants from which it was derived.

A plant of the new variety is shown in full color in the accompanyingphotographs. A detailed description of the new variety follows, and tofacilitate identification of the important colors, the terminologyadapted by the R.H.S. Colour Chart has been followed.

THE PLANT

Parentage: The pollen and seed parents of this plant were unnumbered orunnamed seedlings that had shown desirable characteristics of dwarfness,resulting from previous crosses made by me. The seeds are fertile.

Growth: The plant is comparatively compact, weeping, with its widthtypically exceeding its height. At maturity, the plant will reach amaximum height of 24 inches and will grow 6 to 10 inches in heightduring the first year. There is substantially no vertical growthsubsequent to reaching full maturity.

Branches: Multiple branches are freely produced by young cuttings. Thebranches grow horizontal rather than vertical and are red when immature,turning brown upon maturity. The mature width is 42-56 inches.

Foliage: The leaf arrangement is best described as alternate and aregrouped by twos on opposite sides of the stem when mature with a simpletype of leaf having an elliptic to ovate shape. Generally, the leaf willhave an acute tip, obtuse base, and entire margin. The leaf attachmentis stalked, and the leaf venation is pinnate. The leaves will grow inlength to 3-4 centimeters and in width to 2-3 centimeters. Finally, theleaf will be No. 137A color.

Flower: The complete flowers will be 2-3 centimeters high and have awidth of 3-4 centimeters, and the flower clusters appear as terminalpanicles. There are three to eight florets per flower cluster. The bloomperiod is early June to October.

Color: The color of the blossom is No. 68A.

I claim:
 1. A new distinct variety of Lagerstroemia indica plantsubstantially as shown and described, characterized by the distinctivepurple color, its height up to 24 inches, substantially no verticalgrowth at full maturity, and a weeping growth habit at full maturity.